Explore the best rated trails in St Cloud, FL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Neighborhood Lakes Scenic Trail and Orlando Southeast Trail . With more than 42 trails covering 360 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Nice paved trail for a short ride. We parked at the visitor center and rode the southern section. It will be if/when both sections are connected.
You will need to bring water and sunscreen , the right kind of bike and a camera. There is no real shade except at the 4 mile mark from Magnolia Park. Limited water too but beautiful scenery if you start from Magnolia Park. The first half mile is pave then goes to crushed stone packed but there are some loose rocks so be prepared in case you get a flat tire. Trail surface is similar to Katy Trail in Missouri.
If you don't have a full-suspension mountain bike, I would recommend NOT doing this trail. If getting your teeth almost rattled loose, then, yes, this is the trail for you. I started out @ the Green Mountain Trailhead parking area. I expected crushed stone on the switchbacks coming off the mountain, but I expected that to turn into asphalt at "lake level". For the next 8 miles, I kept expecting pavement, but was sorely disappointed. I had initially expected to do the whole 17-mile O/W (34 mile R/T) trip to Magnolia Park, but quickly realized that would turn into a whole-day affair at my average speed of 8 mph. To say nothing about the wear-and-tear on my body. Absolutely horrible rutted, pock-marked, eroded limestone the whole way. I finally "bailed" at the North Shore Trailhead (the 8-mile mark). Rather than take that horrible trail back to the Green Mountain Trailhead, I resolved to take roads back -- which added 4 miles to the trip but was worth it. This, in spite of having to climb two substantial hills towards the end of the ride (Green Mountain is a sister mountain to Sugarloaf Mountain, with similar climbs).
Also, the scenery is rather bland. Barren scrub brush with no trees. Flat as a pancake. Some people claim there's substantial wildlife. I didn't see any. I did hope to maybe see a gator sunning itself, but no luck.
Out of curiosity, I went to Google Maps to see what the Magnolia Park end of the trail looks like. As far as I can tell from satellite view, as soon as the trail leaves Binion Road out of Magnolia Park, the limestone starts. It may be in better shape than the horrible stuff I encountered, but I'm not going to waste my time finding out. Lake & Orange Counties have much better trails.
There is an amazing quality to the vistas you can find here. Undeveloped rolling hills of grass and trees, eerie stillness, and strange dreamlike feelings galore. Extremely liminal, particularly in the early evening. Bring your own water!!
I had a nice ride today at my first visit to the Fort Fraser Trail. Most of the trail parallels Hwy 98 so I wouldn't call this a deep in the woods nature trail but it is way off the highway so you feel safe. Trail was in excellent shape with only a few blind corners that encourage you to slow down. On this Friday afternoon there was very little pedestrian or bike traffic. Street crossings are well marked with stop signs and even the light poles have some cute motivational quotes printed on signs. Nice touch! I did find a diversion connector trail to the Circle B Bar Reserve. I will definitely go back there and explore some more.
we had a blast riding in a group, enjoying the shade and sunny skies.
Little over 5 mi round trip on this trail. Nice and quiet. A safe ride. Not a lot of shade or people around. There's a Little hill you can get up to 25 miles an hour going down it.
This trail is great for enjoying nature, but has very little shade, so plan accordingly.
Great paved trails with exceptional facilities at S Lake; very scenic and enjoyable trail - we plan for the late morning to allow the "pros" to fly through the course double breasted (during the Tour de France), you understand. But mid-day was a great riding time.
If you live in Polk Co and just want to ride without fear of getting hit by a car, then ok….although there are several areas where you have to cross streets and some of them being a little busy and questionable. We started at the south trailhead and once you get passed the homeless camps and run down industrial area, it’s a little better. I didn’t feel safe even though my husband was with me. I would never ride this trail alone. The bridges over the roadways are very steep and if you’re from Florida you might not be used to this kind of elevation. Glad it’s checked off our list but we won’t be back.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
